View Vacancy – BK – Climate and Energy Attaché, HEO

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Economic and Prosperity

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 150 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on economic and sustainable development, trade, security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team.

The UK and Thailand recently signed a Strategic Partnership which strengthens cooperation in a range of areas including economic, trade and investment; political, security and defence; climate, energy and sustainable development; science and technology; health; agriculture and people-to-people links.

This is an exciting role to support the Embassy’s delivery of our bilateral partnership, with a strong focus on climate, energy and sustainable development cooperation. We are looking for an excellent team player who can think strategically to shape and deliver UK-Thailand cooperation on climate change and green transition.

The jobholder will line manage a Climate and Nature Officer within the British Embassy’s Economic and Sustainable Development (ESD) team. They will also interact regularly with other sections of the Embassy including Political and Department for Business & Trade, and with senior contacts in government, private sector, NGOs and academia. They will work to the Deputy Head of the Economic and Sustainable Development team and will work frequently with the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission – often providing briefing for key meetings or events. The jobholder will also be part of the UK’s regional Southeast Asia Climate Network.

The UK’s mission is to create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet and we will push for the ambition needed to keep 1.5 degrees alive and to halt and reverse global biodiversity loss. The UK’s international leadership on climate and nature will be based on our domestic action: making Britain a clean energy superpower by delivering zero carbon electricity by 2030 and accelerating our journey to net zero.

In Thailand, the UK’s activity on climate change spans policy monitoring, lobbying and reporting, events and media engagement and other outreach efforts to raise the profile of climate change as an issue, and a range of UK-funded technical assistance programmes including UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) and Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA). These programmes support the Royal Thai Government in developing its policy and mechanisms to reduce emissions, address barriers and constraints to clean growth, and support adaptation to climate change at the local level.

In Thailand, we also work to support the Royal Thai Government in its low carbon transition. The Ministry of Energy is a key actor for decarbonising the energy sector. Thailand’s Power Development Plan 2024-2037 (PDP) sets an intention to integrate a higher share of renewable energy into its grid, reduce fossil fuels and promote smart electricity grid and electric vehicle (EV) technology. We partner with the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Thai financial regulators to take forward a broad agenda of policy discussions and technical assistance programmes which focus on:

Planning for Thailand’s low-carbon transition across society and the economy as a whole;
Exploring the development of carbon pricing options and CBAM in Thailand;
Planning for low-carbon transition in the energy sector, renewables and energy efficiency;
Supporting the development of sustainable financing policy and practice.

We also lobby the Royal Thai Government and key Thai stakeholders as part of our wider global effort to promote action on climate change. We advocate for increasing Thailand’s targets to cut greenhouse gases and thereby mitigate climate change, as well as taking action on specific issues such as no new coal.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Raise awareness and promote action on climate change

Coordinate UK engagement with the Royal Thai Government to promote action on climate change and, in particular, the adoption of more ambitious climate targets and policies in Thailand. Manage key stakeholder relationships between the Embassy and Thai Government Officials.
Directly lobby Thai officials on key issues as required.
With the Embassy’s Communications Team, develop and deliver climate communications. This may include amplifying UK campaigns, giving interviews on climate change and delivering and speaking at events which raise awareness of climate change issues across a wide audience.
Plan and implement Embassy engagement with non-Government actors. This will include building relationships with working level contacts in sub-national authorities (cities, states, provinces), representatives of businesses, and civil society activists.
Coordinate with London and regional colleagues on engagement with Thailand, advising on local sensitivities and priorities in Thailand and region; including providing briefing for UK ministers and senior officials.
Manage Ministerial and official visits to and from the UK related to climate. This could include planning and advising on visit agendas, coordinating with media colleagues, and supporting in events as required.
Support UK engagement with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific based in Bangkok – attending key meetings and events on climate change and sourcing UK speakers/ arranging UK events at the UN as required.
Develop and maintain a network of likeminded colleagues across Embassies in Bangkok on climate change. Coordinate messaging and lobbying with them to maximise impact on key issues.
Coordinate across the Embassy on climate change to ensure our efforts are coherent.

Manage UK Funded Technical Assistance Programmes

Build and manage relationships with key Thai stakeholders to develop a clear understanding of the Thai climate policy landscape and support alignment of the UK PACT programme with the Royal Thai Government’s aims.
Work closely with the UK PACT Programme Manager in delivery of projects across low carbon transport and green finance.
Seek opportunities to bid for UK ODA funding to support Thailand’s low carbon transition.
Respond to emerging priorities and programmes
In the context of all programmes, follow project management principles, and work with dedicated programme management teams to document the programme as required by UK processes including identifying risks, financial management and carrying out monitoring and evaluation.

Line management of the climate and nature officer

Line manage the climate and nature officer, providing guidance, support and oversight on marine, plastic waste, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Lobby on and engage to raise the profile of these issues as required in response to global UK initiatives.

Other

In times of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the Section and within the Embassy

All staff will be expected to make a corporate contribution to the smooth running of the British Embassy, either through a committee membership or another voluntary role.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

1 x Climate and Nature Officer (EO). Will be responsible for making and monitoring project payments against receipts.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Relevant thematic experience and/or qualifications in climate and environment, for example energy, transportation, sustainable finance and low carbon transition.
Good knowledge of Thailand’s climate, energy and environmental landscape.
Ability to build a network of contacts in government, think tanks, academia, and the private sector with a focus on economic development.
Experience of managing diverse and senior level relationships.
Self-motivation and the ability to work under light supervision.
Team player with a passion to make a difference as part of a collaborative section that values kindness and inclusion.
Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including word, excel and Teams.
Written and oral communication skills, including in English and Thai with senior stakeholders.

Language requirements:

Language: English and Thai

Level of language required:

English: Excellent command of spoken and written English, equivalent to IELTS 7 or above
Thai: Excellent command of spoken and written Thai

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Knowledge of financial / budget management principles or previous financial management experience.
Knowledge or experience of project management and relevant skills.
Experience working in an international organisation or multicultural setting, or studying or working abroad.
A good understanding of Thailand’s economic, business and political environment, Thailand’s development trajectory, Thailand’s role in the regional context, and familiarity with the UK.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

15 December 2024

Grade

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

Region

Asia Pacific

Country/Territory

Thailand

Location (City)

Bangkok

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

Salary Currency

THB

Salary

108,455

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

17 February 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including salary (will be abated for those not liable to tax), benefits, a leave entitlement, health insurance and comprehensive development programme based upon business need and individual staff requirements.

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy Bangkok encourages all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training (courses) and informal (job-shadowing, coaching, on-the-job training etc.). The majority of our formal L&D opportunities are drawn from FCDO resources. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training (‘lunch & learn’) or coaching/mentoring. All staff are eligible for 5 L&D days a year.

Working patterns:

This is a full time role – 36 hours/week, Monday to Friday.

We are currently operating a hybrid working pattern with at least 60% of the time being spent in the office.

The Embassy has a smarter working policy and is committed to offering flexible working patterns balanced with the operational requirements of the role. In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Embassy response, sometimes on a shift pattern, which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working.

As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interview or at the point of any job offer.

Other Information:

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tac on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.

Additional information

Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.  

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

For inclusivity and diversity, please remove the following personal information when uploading your CV: name, address, email address, age, date of birth, gender, and nationality.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

Please note that it is likely that any non-Thai national who is successful in securing a role within the Embassy will need to leave the country and re-enter with a specific type of visa if currently living in Thailand or will need to apply for a visa before travelling here if currently based outside of Thailand. Whilst the Embassy can support you with this process, the costs involved will need to be met by the candidate.
 
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law. 

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

The British Embassy offers a competitive compensation package including a guaranteed 13th month pay, 20 days paid annual leave (calculated on a pro-rata basis if you join after 1 January), extensive medical insurance and access to a guaranteed 5 days of learning opportunities a year. 

The British Embassy Bangkok promotes the following values:

Expertise – We bring cultural, linguistic, geographic, historical and technical expertise to our work. We continuously invest in ourselves and share expertise for the benefit of the UK internationally.
Respect – We have respect for each other and the different cultures we come from and work with. We are open, inclusive, fair and courteous and treat others with kindness and compassion.
Resilience – We are ready to work in tough places or on difficult issues. We look after ourselves, support each other and display solidarity with individuals, teams and organisations.

To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

To apply please copy and paste this link: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/1/adv/
To help us track our recruitment effort, please specify on the application form/indicate in your cover letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.

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View Vacancy – BK – Climate and Energy Attaché, HEO

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